Throwback Thursday: Batman and Catwoman #22 Review (New 52)

Come for the action, stay for the nagging

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, John Kalisz and Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date:July 17, 2013

The months following Damian Wayne's death were an odd time for the Batman and Robin title.  It seemed like his death shocked everyone...even DC Comics and especially, Batman and Robin writer, Peter Tomasi.  I can only imagine his reaction when he was told that there was no longer a Robin, but he had to continue his book while things were sorted out.  Enter the "Stages of Grief" issues.  This one was the Catwoman issue that was listed as "Despair".  It was also my first written review ever, so keep that in mind as you continue.  -Jim


In the months following Damian's death, Batman has teamed up with various members of the Bat Family to get through the classic stages of grief.   This month Batman deals with despair with the help of Catwoman...sort of.

Catwoman does start off the book and in a neat JLA tie-in, needs Batman's help to stop a kidnapping. Peter J. Tomasi nails Catwoman's voice and the banter between her and Batman is spot on.

Patrick Gleason's art is great as usual, especially in the early Catwoman scenes.  However, Catwoman seems to be here only to provide the action that people look for in a Batman title.  Though fun enough, it ends with a fizzle not a bang.

The main story involves Carrie Kelly.  Yes, it looks like she is here to stay.  She has started her job dog sitting Titus, but is working overtime hounding Bruce about Damian's sudden disappearance.   Bruce keeps the lie going that Damian is studying abroad, going to an extreme that is bound to come back to haunt him later.  The story isn't bad it just feels as if we are being force fed Carrie and her relationship with Bruce.

Despair is a tough thing to portray and still keep things interesting and exciting.  This issue may just be a breather before next months Batman and Nightwing, but I was hoping for something better.  

Bits and Pieces:

While the art is great and the dialogue fine, the two stories seem disjointed and neither really leaves its mark in the end.  Speaking of the end though, the book ends with a familiar face that has me excited for what's to come in the future.

6.5/10